TPR Explained: How the FMCSA Registry Verifies ELDT

The Training Provider Registry (TPR) is the FMCSA’s official database of approved training providers that certify completion of Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT). States use TPR data to confirm your eligibility before CDL or endorsement testing.

TPR ≠ Clearinghouse

The TPR is about training records. The DOT/FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse is a separate system for drug and alcohol program violations. They serve different compliance functions: the TPR verifies ELDT completion; the Clearinghouse tracks testing violations and return-to-duty status.

Who Must Complete ELDT (and Exceptions)

Required ELDT populations

You must complete ELDT with a TPR-listed provider if you are:

• Obtaining a Class A CDL for the first time (tractor-trailer and other combination vehicles).
  
  
• Obtaining a Class B CDL for the first time (straight trucks and most buses).
  
  
• Adding a Passenger (P) endorsement or School Bus (S) endorsement for the first time (skills test required).
  
  
• Adding a Hazardous Materials (H) endorsement for the first time (knowledge test required).
  
  

In all cases, only providers that appear in the Training Provider Registry can certify your training. After you pass your assessments, the provider submits your completion to the TPR, which is then used by your state to verify eligibility before administering the applicable test.

Exceptions exist (verify your situation)

There are limited exceptions to ELDT (for example, certain prior licensure circumstances or narrowly defined scenarios under federal and state rules). Because exceptions are specific and can vary by situation, confirm applicability before you enroll. In our full ELDT explainer, we detail who is and isn’t subject and how to document any exemption your state recognizes.

Why TPR listing matters

If a school or course is not listed on the TPR, it cannot upload your completion-and the SDLA will not be able to verify you for testing. Always verify a provider’s TPR listing and understand that only TPR-listed providers can certify ELDT completion.

End-to-End: How TPR Works for Drivers

Step 1: Verify applicability (are you subject to ELDT?)

Before you spend a dollar on training, confirm whether Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) applies to your goal. ELDT is required for first-time Class A and Class B CDLs, for first-time Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements (skills tests), and for first-time Hazardous Materials (H) endorsements (knowledge test). If you fall into one of these buckets, you are subject to ELDT; if you believe you qualify for a narrow exception, document it and verify with your State Driver Licensing Agency (SDLA).

Step 2: Select a training provider listed in TPR

Only providers listed on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry (TPR) can certify ELDT completion. Use the TPR search to confirm the provider’s name, location(s), and status. Ask for the provider’s TPR ID and confirm which components they offer: theory (online or classroom) and/or behind-the-wheel (BTW).

Step 3: Complete theory and/or BTW training

Complete the ELDT components required for your objective:

• Theory: topic-based instruction with assessments that measure understanding.
  
  
• BTW (range/road): hands-on driving time and maneuvers (for Class A/B, P, S).
  Your provider should tell you exactly which assessments you must pass, minimum score thresholds, and BTW hour expectations (if applicable).
  
  

Step 4: Provider submits certification to TPR

After you successfully finish the applicable ELDT components, your provider must electronically submit your training certification to the TPR by midnight of the second business day. Timely and accurate submission is critical-this is the record your state will rely on.

Step 5: SDLA verifies eligibility before testing

Your SDLA pulls data from the TPR to check that you have the required ELDT on file before administering the appropriate test:

• Skills tests: Class A, Class B, Passenger (P), School Bus (S)
  
  
• Knowledge test: Hazardous Materials (H)
  If your TPR record is present and correct, you can proceed. If not, testing will be delayed until the issue is resolved.

Exactly What Gets Uploaded to TPR

The data elements in a valid TPR submission

After you pass the required assessments, the training provider uploads a training certification containing the following fields:

Why these fields matter

Each field is used by the SDLA’s systems and staff to match your identity, confirm the correct credential path, and authorize the exact test (skills or knowledge) you intend to take. If any element is wrong—name spelling, state, CLP number, credential type-the SDLA may not be able to clear you for testing, even if you completed training.

How States Verify Your ELDT Before Testing

The SDLA’s role and timing

Before an SDLA administers a CDL test, it must confirm your ELDT status using the data available from the Training Provider Registry. The check happens as part of your appointment setup or at check-in, depending on the state’s workflow and system integrations.

Practical tip to avoid delays

Confirm your TPR record before scheduling DMV testing. Use the “check your training record” workflow to verify that:

1. your name matches your license;
   
   
2. your CLP/CDL number and state are correct;
   
   
3. the credential (Class A/B, P/S/H) and training type (theory/BWT) are accurate; and
   
   

the completion date is posted. Resolving discrepancies before you book a slot prevents last-minute test denials and rescheduling fees.

How to Verify a Provider in TPR (and Spot Red Flags)

Use the official TPR provider search

Begin by opening the Training Provider Registry (TPR) provider search and entering the provider’s legal name, city, or state. Search results should display each training location, the provider’s legal business name, and other identifying details. If a school markets under a brand name, make sure its legal entity still appears as a result; many providers advertise with a trade name but register in TPR under a different corporate name. If you cannot find any listing that clearly corresponds to the school you plan to attend, treat that as a stop sign until the discrepancy is resolved.

Confirm the provider’s status and what “self-certified” means

Every provider in TPR is self-certified, meaning the organization attests that it meets all ELDT regulatory requirements (curriculum, facilities, instructors, assessments, recordkeeping). Self-certification is a legal representation to FMCSA-not a casual marketing claim. Ask the provider to give you their TPR ID and to confirm which components they are approved to deliver (theory, behind-the-wheel range, behind-the-wheel road). Cross-check that scope against what you see in the TPR search for the exact training location where you will enroll.

Check public oversight lists (proposed removal, removed) and inactivity notices

TPR publishes transparency lists for providers proposed for removal and providers that have been removed. If your prospective school appears on either list, reconsider enrollment and clarify your options before paying. In addition, FMCSA issues Notices of Inactivity to providers that have submitted no training certifications for 12 months. If a provider acknowledges receiving such a notice, ask why completions have not been reported and how they will ensure timely TPR uploads for your class. A provider that trains but does not submit certifications places you at risk of testing delays.

Red flags that warrant caution-or walking away

Be wary of any program that refuses to share its TPR ID, claims “approval is pending,” or gives vague promises about reporting “sometime next week.” Lack of clear reporting timelines (remember: by midnight of the second business day after completion) is a serious warning sign. Also scrutinize for mismatches between marketing claims (e.g., “we offer School Bus BTW”) and the TPR listing (which may show only theory). Finally, if the school cannot locate its exact TPR listing for your training location, do not proceed; TPR verification is location-specific.

How to Check Your Own TPR Training Record

Use the “Check Your Record” workflow to validate what was submitted

After you pass your required assessments, use the TPR “Check Your Record” workflow to view the data your provider uploaded. You will verify that your name, CDL/CLP number, state of issuance, credential path (Class A, Class B, P, S, or H), training type (theory and/or BTW), any BTW hours (if applicable), the provider name and TPR ID, and the completion date all appear exactly as they should. This check is your best insurance against last-minute DMV test denials.

Timing matters: the two-business-day submission deadline

Providers are required to submit your training certification to TPR by midnight of the second business day after you complete training. If your record does not appear within that window, contact the provider immediately. Delays beyond this point can jeopardize scheduled test dates and, in some states, your eligibility window tied to permit or appointment timing.

Troubleshooting the most common issues

The most frequent blockers are identity mismatches and credential scope errors. If your TPR record shows a different name format than your license (e.g., middle name omitted or misspelled), or if the CLP/CDL number or state is wrong, the SDLA may not be able to match you. Likewise, if the upload lists Class B theory but you enrolled for Class A theory, or if BTW hours are missing for a skills-tested credential, you can be refused at check-in. These errors are fixable-your provider must amend and resubmit.

ELDT Nation-ELDT Training Online

Start your journey as a truck driver

Becoming a professional truck driver starts with one essential step: completing Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) with an FMCSA-approved provider. ELDT Nation makes that process fast, compliant, and fully online. Whether your goal is a Class A or Class B CDL, or a Passenger, School Bus, or Hazardous Materials endorsement, ELDT Nation provides everything you need to complete your theory training and become eligible for your state CDL exam.

Get a free guide on how to break into trucking

Enter your first name and email to receive our free guide that walks you through CDL classes, endorsements, FMCSA requirements, and job opportunities in trucking.

Course Library – Everything you need to secure a CDL and more

ELDT Nation’s online platform was built for drivers who need flexibility without compromising quality. Our FMCSA-approved courses include:

• No classrooms: 100% online learning, available anytime.
  
  
• Video lessons in every module: Each topic includes visual instruction designed for real-world understanding.
  
  
• FMCSA-approved training: Fully compliant with federal standards and recognized by every state DMV.
  
  

The entire curriculum is streamlined and practical-so you can learn the material that matters, pass your assessments confidently, and move directly to the skills portion of your CDL path.